Russophone Studien / Russophone Studies (B.A.)
Are you interested in Eastern Europe and its linguistic diversity? Russophone Studies at JLU combine linguistics, literature and history.
Overview
Russophone Studies combine academic engagement with the language, literature and culture of the Russian-speaking world with a thorough understanding of the history of Eastern Europe. The focus is not only on individual countries, but also on Russian-speaking cultures in the former Soviet republics and in Germany. Intensive language training for all levels, combined with a work placement or project, will open up personalised pathways for you to develop your professional and career profile.
Start of studies
Winter semester
Mode of admission
No admission restriction
Duration of studies
6 semester
Workload
180 credit points (CP)
Degree
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Language of instruction
German
Composition of the Study Programme
What can I expect from this programme?
How is the programme structured?
The Bachelor's programme is composed of:
- an extensive major in Russian Studies/Russian and
- a minor in Eastern European History
Major subject Russian Studies / Russian
In the main subject Russian Studies/Russian you will deal literary and cultural studies and linguistics. Intensive practical language training will be of particular importance.
Minor subject Eastern European History
In the minor subject Eastern European History you will deal with various aspects of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. The historical method with heuristics, criticism and interpretation will be of particular importance.
Career Options
Which options for further study does JLU offer?
Through early contact with interdisciplinary research, the programme offers an excellent basis for interdisciplinary Master's programmes.
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor's degree, the following consecutive Master's programmes can be studied at JLU:
Depending on the subjects chosen in the Bachelor's programme, other Master's programmes at JLU may also be considered, e.g.:
What career paths can I pursue after graduation?
The programme qualifies students for an academic career as well as for a wide range of professional fields such as business, cultural and political institutions, journalism, publishing, public employers, the media, etc.
The exact areas of activity depend on the individual specialisation undertaken by the students. Nonetheless, it is possible to identify the following fields of activity: communication, further training, and the cultural sector. These include:
- journalism and publishing/ radio, broadcast and television/ editing
- librarianship, documentation, information technology
- adult education/ civic education (adult education centre, trade unions, employer's associations/ boards, parties, charities, churches)
- associations (boards, organisations, parties, charities, parliamentary services)
- press- and public relations activities (for parties, associations, public or semi-public institutions, radio, broadcast and television)
- higher education institution and other research institutes
- private schools
- tourism (sector)/ leisure sector
- opinion research
- social services/ non-profit organisations
- theatre and all its disciplines/ cultural sector: (trade) fairs and markets
- visual arts/ museums/ collections/ exhibitions
- international organisations/ cultural exchange
- career guidance/ counselling
Application and Enrolment
Requirements
A valid university entrance qualification (German: HZB) is required for admission to the program.
- From Germany: General university entrance qualification (= Abitur or equivalent), vocational university entrance qualification, master craftsman’s certificate, university entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals.
- From abroad: You can find out whether the university entrance qualification from your home country qualifies you for direct admission to a degree program in Germany on the information portal for the recognition of foreign educational qualifications (anabin).
Proof of an internship (pre-internship) is not required for admission.
Applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification should also note the required proof of German language proficiency.
Application deadline
Winter semester 2026/27
Opening of application period
1 June 2026
Application deadline
- for applicants with a German university entrance qualification: 1 September 2026
-
for applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification: 15 August 2026
International applicants can find further information on the International Office website.
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Further Information
Where can I find official documents about the programme?
Examination- and study regulations
Special regulations (with module descriptions and module plans)
General Regulations for Bachelor's and Master's programmes
Please note that only the German version of the regulation is official and legally binding. The English version is for informative purposes only.
Courses offered in the course catalogue
Electronical course catalogue (in German)
Study programme flyer
B.A. Russophone Studien (PDF in German)Where can I find more information about the faculty?
Links
Faculty 05 – Language, Literature, CultureFaculty's Deanery
Examinations Office
Student representatives
Bachelor's Degree Programmes of Faculty 05
Angewandte Theaterwissenschaft / Applied Theatre Studies
Anglophone Studies
Germanistik / German Studies
Intercultural Communication and Business
Komparatistik / Comparative Studies
Romanistik / Romance Studies
Russophone Studien / Russophone Studies
Slavistik / Slavic Studies
Is this course right for me?
Are you still not entirely sure whether the course of study is the right one for you? We support you with a wide range of information, events and advisory services around your study orientation and choice. For example, experience real university atmosphere at our Hochschulinformationstagen (HIT) and the Open Campus Day!
How do I have a successful start at JLU?
To help you get off to a good start with your studies, we warmly invite you to attend our orientation events. Here you will learn
everything you need to know about starting your studies:
- creating a course schedule,
- examination regulations and registration deadlines,
- campus areas and leisure activities,
- and much more.
At the same time, you will have the opportunity to get to know your future fellow students.
Start of studiesContact
Subject Advisor
Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures
Philosophikum I, House D
Otto-Behaghel-Strasse 10
35394 Giessen
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Eastern European History
Historical Institute
Philosophikum I, House C/E/G
35394 Giessen
Central Study Advisor
Natascha Kohrt
Central Student Advisory Service
Erwin-Stein-Gebäude, 1st floor
Goethestrasse 58
35390 Giessen
International Office
Assistance for incoming, outgoing and Erasmus+ students
International Office
Goethestrasse 58
35390 Giessen